Christmas in England, a step back in time to old traditions, in a sense. Christmas Day we awoke and exchanged presents between ourselves. Paul, Stephen and I were pleasantly surprised with all of our gifts. We then dressed ourselves and made the trip over to Stephen's mother's house. There we saw his mother Janet, his brothers Craig and Carl, and Carl's girlfriend, Emma. Once again all were pleasantly surprised, and it was wonderful to bask in the company of the family. Soon again, however we were on our way back home as we were getting dressed up to go to Stephen's Aunt and Uncle's house just outside of York.
It was here, in their quaint, transformed barn house, that I experienced a traditional Christmas supper. We had turkey, stuffing, parsnips, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, brussel sprouts, stand pie (which is a pork pie), Christmas pudding with brandy sauce (which is lit on fire prior to eating), Christmas cake with cheese and roast potatoes. It was a magnificent and well-prepared feast by Stephen's Aunt Margaret and his cousin Olivia. For the remainder of the afternoon and the evening was spent having discussions and playing various games, it was quite the experience.
Finally, my final Christmas of the day I had the experience of getting to Skype with my parents and for a few minutes, my brother. It was my first Christmas away from my family, and it was a very strange feeling for me, but Christmas isn't really anything to do with the day itself, it's who is there with you and how you all feel about each other. I know that my Christmas will come the day I get home for my family and I.
But now it is on to New Year's Eve. I combined the two posts because they are both fairly short. New Year's Eve was spend at our house with our friends Ash, Nichola and Tom. We played Monopoly (a game I absolutely detest) until just before midnight, and then sat around and talked for the remainder of the time they spent with us. Our friends left at about 2am, and it was wonderful being able to spend time with them.
Well, this wasn't the liveliest of posts, but it has been reported on thoroughly, and it does of course relate to my travels.
Tomorrow I will be leaving England, well, at least for now. I know that I will be coming back because I have made so many friends here, and I have so many places that I now want to explore in Europe. So while it is a terribly sad farewell, it is not my finale farewell to Europe, not even close. It is more like a "see you soon."
All the best to you in the New Year, I hope you are happy, healthy and wanting of nothing in 2013.
All my love,
Janean X
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